Best Hammerless Revolvers Review (2022)

Best Hammerless Revolvers - Feature Image

With the topic of gun use with ease becoming more and more popular than ever, we would like to discuss with you for a bit about the best and updated hammerless revolvers of 2021. There are a few reasons as to why you may want to own one of the revolvers we have reviewed in this article. 

Whether that you are an expert on guns or are just looking for your first one to concealed carry gun, we legitimately hope that we can provide you some help with learning just about everything there is to know regarding hammerless revolvers. Let’s talk a bit about what they really are and what makes these guns any different than others that are currently on the market.

Hammerless revolvers are said to be the ideal conceal carry guns. Unlike its name suggests, these guns do come with a hammer. However, it is more accurate to say that the hammer is concealed within the guns’ frame. This provides these firearms an advantage and an upper hand in a small frame that makes them easier to conceal and less prone to catching on clothing or even your holsters accessories support.

A hammerless wheel gun is the model handgun for someone who is new to self-defense because they are extremely light and simple to use with ease.

A double-action (as opposed to double-action-only) revolver is adaptable, if not versatile.  Cocking the hammer allows gun owners for a lighter trigger pull, which can mean much better and improved accuracy.  However, that isn’t really the purpose of what or why you buy a snub-nosed revolver for.  A more hands-on approach (especially if you own several guns at any given time) may be the hammerless variety.

Hammerless revolvers are a contradiction.  Most of these revolvers have hammers to be clear, it’s just that they are just enclosed within and out of sight.  Some have their spurs and hammer removed.  Those have more of a paddle variety hammer that is not conveniently cocked by hand.  Another option mixes the two approaches by extending the sidewalls of the frame and adornment the spur so there is just a nubbin bulging from the top of the weapon.  The old Smith & Wesson 438 is one of the more popular examples.

RevolversNameEditor’s CommentRatingGet The Best Deal
Ruger SP101

Most Recommended Option

1. It features an internal hammer design
2. concealable package
3. 2.25 inches barrel length

10/10SHOP NOW
Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special1. Incredibly small and portable
2. The stainless steel finish ensures durability
3. Textured rubber grips improve the grip
9.5/10SHOP NOW
Smith & Wesson 640 357 Magnum1. User-friendly firearm
2. Guns weigh around 15 ounces
3. Have extremely short barrel lengths
9.0/10SHOP NOW
Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 Double-Action Revolver1. There is an option that is equipped with a laser
2. The frame is cylindrical and made from aluminium
3. The barrel is durable thanks to the stainless steel design
8.5/10Currently unavailable
Ruger LCR1. The entire body is matte black
2. Mono-grip texture makes it easy to handle
3. Finger grooves give added stability
8.0/10Currently unavailable
Kimber K61. Has an overall height of 4.46 inches
2. Overall length of 6.62-inches
3. The cylinder of the K6s is made for concealment
7.5/10Currently unavailable

Hammerless Revolver Review : What Are They?

A hammerless revolver is a pistol or a gun that peruses a cylinder that rotates. This cylinder has a few chambers that can hold ammo. What sets a hammerless revolver apart from the others is that when you pull the trigger, the pistols cocks the firing mechanism, while at the same time also revolving the cylinder to align with the barrel.

Then the gun handler will pull the trigger making the firing mechanism release. That, in turn, results in the ammunition being shot out of the barrel. Despite its called that given name giving the impression that this type of revolver does not have a hammer, it does have one. The hammer is just usually not used when it comes to using this pistol. Consider it as a faster way to make shots. Hence, it isn’t really “hammerless” after all.

The Criteria: How to Choose A Hammerless Revolver

Since there are so many choices out there, how do you even know which one to choose for yourself? Are they really that unlike from one another? In the below article, we have covered a few of the main factors that you should be considering when looking around for a hammerless revolver. 

Whether if you are searching for the best hammerless revolvers for the sake of protection, self-defense, or one as a semi-autos backup gun, let’s have a look at what options you have! Keep in mind what you are interested at in a hammerless revolver (design and such) while you are looking through this list.

Pricing

Just like anything else you purchase, the price plays a huge influence in which product you pick. Revolvers derive at a variety of different price points and just because one of it is more exclusive than the next one does not necessarily mean that it is a better weapon by miles around. 

A gun can certainly cost more based on its brand itself. Set a budget that you want to spend yourself, then try to find a hammerless revolver that falls into that budget. It may still have most, if not all of the features you are looking for.

Sizing

No matter what variety of guns you are looking for, they all come at varying sizes. This is something that you should be considering while looking for the best fit and when you are doing your investigation. The size of your gun matters as it may be a favorite or it may be because of your skill level. 

Comfortability

Last but not least on this list, comfort is a major feature that needs your attention and to be considered. You do not want to own a revolver gun that does not have an ergonomic grip. Just to make sure that your hands, your fingers, and the overall feel are comfortable is also considered a safety feature. Just make sure that you can reach all necessary parts without having to move your hands that much.

The Best Hammerless Revolvers – Rated and Reviewed

Now that we are done with the criteria part, let us move into the list of some of the best hammerless revolvers that you can find in this review of some of the best hammerless revolvers and pistols. 

1. Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special

Smith & Wesson 642 .38 Special

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Plenty of new gun users are satisfied with the guns’ overall performance. Besides all of that, they are also happy with the gun’s overall size. They mentioned that it was lightweight and very easy to carry, hence making it perfect for many tactical belts for concealed carry. One of the users mentioned that at one point he places this revolver in his holster, and it did not give him any anxiety or make him felt like he was carrying extra luggage.

One of the things that stood out for a lot of gunslingers is the classic, vintage look this revolver comes with. The mix of steel and wood is what makes this revolver stands out when it comes to its aesthetics. Therefore, if you hold a great appreciation for the appearances of an old-school revolver from the yesteryears, then this may be exactly what up your alley. Besides its classic aesthetics, it is a revolver that provides smooth, reliable shooting experience that is considered model for almost any application. After all, a lot of gun owners look for guns with great reliability. 

This is a Smith & Wesson gun that anyone can benefit from and get much out from using. Whether if you are a new gun user for self-defense or seasoned shooters, you will most likely enjoy the feel and ease of this pistol. It is of utmost importance to take note that if you have larger hands, this may not be the best gun for you (since it is just that – a smaller-sized gun).

When it comes to weapons, it is better to spend a bit more money to get one that comes with higher and better quality. That is precisely the case with this Smith and Wesson hammerless revolver gun. Whether you choose to use it with ease for shooting cans or for your own safety, then this is considered a solid option.

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2. Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 Double-Action Revolver

Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard .38 Double-Action Revolver

A lot of people who have bought this Smith & Wesson M&P double-action gun are actually first-time gun owners. They love how minimal recoil there is and that the grip is hassle-free. Another common praise sang for this gun is its size. People actually do enjoy how small and lightweight this Smith & Wesson gun is, which makes it perfect for concealed carry.

This double-action revolver has shown itself to be ludicrously accurate across various shooting ranges. Therefore, if you are a target shooter or you are simply in search of something at the top in terms of accuracy, then this double-action will hit targets consistently from approximately 40 yards out (or beyond that range with larger and bigger targets). If you are looking for something that can deliver smooth, accurate shooting every time, then this should be the revolver worth capitalizing in.

According to many gun reviews, the people who would use this Smith & Wesson gun are mostly the women population. This can either mean that someone has been buying these double-action guns for their wives or daughters, or the women just bought the gun for themselves. While we are not completely sure why it is so popular with the female population, perhaps it is for self-defense purposes we do not know. Whether if it is for the purpose of self-defense, we certainly are not complaining!

If you are looking for Smith & Wesson .38 double-action revolvers to add to your armory collection, then this is it. Over again, if you are a first-time gun owner, we’d tell you that most people seem to love this double-action pistol as their first gun and hope that you will love these double-action revolvers too.

3. Ruger LCR

Ruger LCR

A lot of new users were seriously impressed with the generic erection of this Ruger LCR revolver. The entire revolver is solid in its quality offering and looks like it was made to accept a beating. They also mentioned that it was at the right size for concealed carry applications concealment. One user said he was able to carry it with confidence no matter where he went.

Once again, this revolver is made for the purpose of EDC use. It’s small enough to go with you wherever. The importance of concealed carry is being able to use your revolver if you end up in a life and death situation. So when you’re somehow in a bad spot, you’ll have a proper firearm to protect yourself. With high-quality parts, it is definitely built for high-stress situations.

This might be a near-perfect concealed carry revolvers in the market. The materials marks for a solid, almost indestructible form. At the same time, it is manufactured in such a way to give you a suave and straightforward shooting ability each and every time. If you are looking for a revolver that will certainly stand out in more ways than one, then this Ruger LCR is the right revolver for you.

The Ruger LCR Revolver will definitely surpass most standards. And we generally will not be surprised or caught off-guard if we somehow see this dominate over the top spot over the next few years. It is definitely a solid revolver that will provide you with sharp shooting abilities from close range. For a reliable and accurate concealed carry revolver, the Ruger LCR can be tough to go up against on the hammerless revolvers market.

4. Smith & Wesson 640 357 Magnum

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The J-Frame double-action revolver (PC Model 60 Pro Series) arrives at your hands chambered in either .38 Special, .357 Magnum or chambered for both depending on the hammerless revolvers your own choosing. However, many of these guns (be it .38 Special or .357 Magnum), including the “Airweight” models are chambered for .38 Special +P, which gives a little bit more power for personal defense. These guns do have exceedingly short barrel lengths though.

Most of the guns’ barrel length is an only 1.88-inch barrel in length. This basically translates into the gun being made for extremely close range due to its short barrel length. The weight advantage of hammerless guns over semi-automatic guns is pretty telling and obvious with the J-Frame. These aluminum alloy guns only weigh approximately 15 ounces.

The J-Frame receives great reviews for being a user-friendly firearm and is perfect for those who have never handled a real gun in their lifetime before. There is a J-Frame for any budget – regardless if you are looking for budget guns or expensive guns. The MSRP pricing ranges anywhere from US$380 to US$700 – if you really want to know.

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5. Kimber K6

While Kimber brand is stereotypically and best known for their high-end semi-automatic pistols, they also have a line of hammerless revolvers that gets much less press attention. Not surprising given that some of these hammerless revolvers are also some of the best-looking snub nose guns to have ever graced the shelves on the market today. The Kimber K6 guns come chambered in .357 Magnum and have a 2-inch barrel.

They come with either a satin or stainless steel frame. They are readily available with either rubber grips, walnut grips, or rosewood grips. It is worth taking note of many .357 revolvers on the market currently only have a capacity of five shots. With the Kimber K6s, you get six shots for a little extra peace of mind. The disadvantage is that these revolvers are one of the heavier options on the market at approximately 23 ounces.

They are also the most expensive revolvers to have ever hit the gun markets. The Kimber K6 Deluxe Carry Revolver (DCR) pricing starts at US$1,000. However, this gun gets high marks from gun owners for its no-fuss operation and reliability. You can palisade your life on one of these guns to be honest. They will also hold their value in the long run. It’s a Kimber K6 after all.

6. Ruger SP101

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Although a lot of Ruger’s SP101 line features an external hammer, the 5720 model comes with an internal hammer design for anyone who is looking for a slick, concealable package. This SP101 is chambered in .357 Magnum.

Most people who own an SP101 says that love them. The barrel length is approximately 2.25 inches on the hammerless model. The black rubber grips are acclaimed as being quite comfortable to say the least. It is a bit on the heavier side at about 25 ounces and it only holds five rounds. However, you do get a lot of reliability and safety here with its internal hammer design.

The MSRP on these Ruger SP101 (with and without hammer) ranges anywhere between US$600 and US$700.

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Conclusion

The bottom line is that the best hammerless revolvers of your choice are definitely out there. Whether if you are looking for one with the easy trigger pull, one that shoots at a pretty solid gun range, one that fits your ankle holsters, guns with or without hammer or trigger, guns with high or low calibers, or if you are just looking for a gun for practice. Plenty of reasons to get yourself a hammerless revolver. 

All you need to do is read a lot of related articles and comments about the hammerless revolvers. Find yourself a hammerless revolver in which the prices fit your load, no pressure. There are so many types and updates of hammerless revolvers on the market with so many different benefits it’s hard for consumers to choose their favorite. 

Whether you are shopping for hammerless revolvers and handguns aspect for hunting, camping, fishing, or for any other hobbies and interests, you’ll find ones and variants with great durability and precision. Just keep in mind that every gun have their own pros and cons after all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Hammerless Revolvers have safety?

It’s important to pay attention that despite its name, hammerless revolvers are not really hammerless. You can still find a hammer within the frame of the carry gun. The main reason is that it is considered hammerless is because the hammer isn’t exactly within reach to the shooter (prevents careless trigger pull). 

This makes the gun a bit safer than the kind that comes with a hammer. It can conveniently be pulled out of a holster, pocket, or purse when you needed it. When it comes to revolvers having a safety “precaution”, they do not have the standard one that you will usually find on other weapons, but instead, they use a grip safety. 

Whichever you choose, you can always get one that best fits your needs.

How Does a Hammerless Revolver Work?

The hammerless revolvers assist in improving the level of safety of the gun along with increase the accuracy and precision of the shots. Besides that, these hammerless revolvers are considered the best concealed carry revolvers among the gun owners.

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